On October 21st, 35 Whittier Primary School fourth graders visited campus for a “Be a Bradley Student” Visit Day. The visit, organized by COM103 instructor, Laura Bruns, was funded by the Communication Department in conjunction with the Kemper Grant, which funds PDS School projects. Ms. Bruns’ students have been presenting COM103 informative speeches at Whittier Primary School for six years. This is the first year that the fourth graders got to travel the other way--to come to Bradley’s campus to be honorary students for a day.
The day began with a tour around campus. Several Bradley STAR representatives showed the children around campus, giving them an inside look at a dorm room and various campus buildings. The children were amazed by Markin and asked if they could come back to play in the gym! After the tour, students received free Bradley t-shirts, courtesy of the Admissions office.
In addition to touring campus, the fourth graders got to tour and learn in the John C. Hench Production Art Studios. Students got an inside look at the studio equipment, a mini-lesson in lighting and story production, and the opportunity to observe Bradley students as they edited film in the editing rooms. Children rotated through four stations, learning about the various facets of television production. Whittier students learned how to focus a camera, about color temperature, the difference between field and studio production, and the amount of time and effort that goes into editing a 30 second commercial. Television Arts Instructors, Anji Phillips and Dave Lennie, along with Bradley Television Arts students, led the classes.
Before lunch, Danielle Tolvstad, a student intern in the Smith Career Center, gave the students an informative talk about the importance of college and information about “college majors.” Joined by some volunteer Bradley students, the children gained valuable information what major and education they need for their dream job.
Lunch was held in the Michel Student Center. The children were astounded at all the of the food choices available. After lunch, Whittier students had “recess” on the quad. They organized a relay game running tree to tree.
With energy expended, the students headed inside for their last “class” of the day--a science class taught by Dr. Michelle Edgecomb-Friday and her SCI 301 Bradley students. The children had a chance to learn about ecosystems, communities, and population, as they accompanied Bradley students on a nature walk around the quad.
As the visit day ended and the children walked back to school, many asked if they “could come back tomorrow?”
